Britain’s heavyweight star regained the WBO, WBA ‘super’ and IBF titles following a masterful points victory over Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, and WBO president Paco Valcárcel was quick to tweet that mandatory challenger Usyk must receive a title shot within 180 days.
The Ukrainian pound-for-pound star watched from ringside at the Diriyah Arena and Joshua welcomed a showdown with Usyk, who has joined the top division after becoming undisputed cruiser weight champion.
“In 180 days? Let’s rock and roll mate,” said Joshua at his post-fight press conference, when asked about Usyk.
“No problem,” he added.
Usyk next? “Let’s rock and roll!” đź‘€@anthonyfjoshua is happy to face his WBO mandatory challenger, Oleksander Usyk next. Is that a fight you’d like to see?
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 8, 2019
Ruiz Jr called for a third fight, but promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Joshua will fulfil his title obligations, with the IBF also likely to order a title defence against their mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.
